Being an Artist and Losing Functionality in my Hands

By Xander Townsend | Misfit Media Editor

There are many health challenges we all are aware we will face throughout our lives. We all worry about how the sun will damage our skin, how what we eat will affect our health, and how our bodies will fail us as we get older. One challenge I wasn't prepared to face so early in my life was the toll arthritis would have on my hands, especially since I am an artist.

I am currently in my 20's and I have the luxury of stating that I am a full-time artist. Whether that be 3D modelling for game assets, 2D digital drawing for online content, or painting/ sketching on a classic canvas for a gallery or art show. Art has been something I have always done and have integrated into every profession I have ever had. I am now an artist who has to modify every commission I take to cater for my progressively failing strength in my hands.

I have joint hypermobility mainly present in my hands, back, and feet. I remember being able to pop joints in and out at school as if it was a neat party trick as I quite enjoyed seeing the look of disgust on my classmates faces. I remember my hands starting to fail me in the 11th grade, when I attempted to practice for my 6th grade piano exam. Octaves became the bane of my existence. I also distinctly remember watching how my grandmother's hands changed with time. I always thought it was odd that her hands would slant from the base diagonally, and everything small she attempted to hold would get clamped, as if she had no way of bending her fingers. I didn't think that it would be an insight into what my future would look like.

It has gotten to the point where a combination of my joint hypermobility and genetically inherited arthritis are starting to compromise the work I would give anything to do for the rest of my life. I can no longer paint miniatures to the same level of intricate detail, I cannot hold a pencil/paint brush for extended periods of time, I cannot produce the same consistent linework I used to. I drop paint brushes after my hands cramp and I have to take regular breaks to maintain the little strength I have in my fingers.

There has been an aspect of my work that is relatively unaffected (by comparison) by my current condition, 3D and video game artwork. Using a mouse to manipulate 3D space, sculpt characters and create worlds is still a little challenging, but much less compromised. Digital platforms allow for automation and a variety of toolsets. If I cannot continue to create smooth linework, I have digital calligraphy pens which automatically predict and smooth my movements. There are also many different types of mouse or controllers that you can use to sculpt virtual space. You can even animate and build 3D assets in virtual reality with hand tracking.

With the progression of AI and prosthetic/limb assistant technology, I am more worried for my future regarding how expensive it will be rather than how limiting. As someone who works in innovation technology, I know I have access to potential resources that would help me continue to live my life creating artwork, I just hope it happens sooner rather than later.